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Improvements to Riverside Path completed

Improvement works to the enhanced shared use route on the River Avon riverside path have now been delivered, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to use the route between Green Park and Nelson Villas. The work to resurface and widen this section of the path and add new river railings to improve public safety started in February.

With the riverside path also temporarily re-opened at the Destructor Bridge, at a reduced width, this week means pedestrians and cyclists now have an accessible off-road route to reach the city centre.

The work, which was funded by the Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund, has been done in conjunction with the £6.22m Bath Quays Waterside project which will reduce flood risk for more than 100 existing properties, reconnect the city centre to the riverside with a new waterside park, and allow Bath Quays to develop as a new home for businesses.

Councillor Anthony Clarke (Conservative, Lansdown), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This investment will help us to realise an exciting vision to reconnect Bath to its riverside by ensuring our towpaths are kept to a safe and high standard. These Riverside path improvements enhance an already busy walking and cycling corridor and we thank everyone for their patience during these works, which will ultimately lead to the development of a more connected network.”

The Bath Quays Waterside project will combine flood mitigation measures with new open spaces for people to enjoy. As well as the south facing riverside park, the flood works will provide the opportunity for new workspace to be constructed on both sides of the river and linked by a brand new pedestrian and cyclist bridge. The workspace will be at the heart of Bath Quays on both sides of the river with the potential to create more than 2,000 new jobs in the city.

The next phase of flood works will involve the excavation of the north river bank between Churchill Bridge and Green Park, allowing the widening of the river bank, which will improve the River Avon’s ability to convey flood water, and establish the new riverside public open space.

While pedestrians and cyclists are now able to use the improved riverside path between Green Park and Nelson Villas, at times there will be further closures between Green Park and Broad Quay to allow for the north river bank flood works.Pedestrians and cyclists will only be diverted when necessary and signs will be in place.